Florida Insurance: Which Carrier Networks?

Florida has a wide range of insurance carriers offering various types of insurance plans, including health, homeowners, auto, and life insurance. Some of the major health insurance providers in Florida include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Celtic Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and Oscar Insurance Company of Florida. In addition, several Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) offer individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Florida also has many homeowners insurance companies, such as Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and Security First Insurance Company. When it comes to auto insurance, Allstate Corporation is the largest publicly held insurer, while Bristol West offers policies specifically for Florida residents. Additionally, American Integrity Insurance provides coverage for mobile homeowners and those seeking insurance for vacant homes or rental properties. Life insurance options are also available from various carriers in Florida.

Health insurance providers in Florida

Florida has a wide range of health insurance providers, with plans to suit individuals, families, and businesses. The state uses the federal health insurance marketplace, so residents can sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans via healthcare.gov or licensed health insurance brokers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Blue Cross Blue Shield (also known as Florida Blue) is rated as the best overall health insurance company in Florida by Investopedia. It offers a comprehensive choice of plans, including all metal levels (Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) and catastrophic care plans. It also offers adult dental coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the highest National Committee of Quality Insurance (NCQA) star rating of the companies on this list at 3.59 out of 5 stars, indicating above-average patient experience.

Oscar

Oscar health insurance offers a good balance of coverage and affordability. You can choose from a range of plan types (Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs)) and a large selection of health management programs, including ones for managing asthma, depression, diabetes, and pain. Oscar has the best overall cost score in Florida, but it doesn't offer dental coverage for adults or children. Oscar's NCQA rating is 2.75 out of 5 stars.

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is one of the few providers that offer plans with dental coverage for adults. Its plans receive an average quality and customer satisfaction rating of 3.53 stars out of 5 from the NCQA. It also has an A+ financial strength score from AM Best, indicating a superior ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. However, UnitedHealthcare does not offer Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans for health coverage and does not offer any health management programs in Florida.

Aetna

Aetna offers an excellent selection of health management plans, which can address conditions like asthma, heart disease, depression, low back pain, pregnancy, and others. If you need to see a doctor for a minor illness or injury, you can get a same-day appointment at CVS MinuteClinic. Plus, 100% of plan premiums are eligible to be reduced by the premium tax credit. However, Aetna has mixed results when it comes to customer satisfaction, ranking last out of six companies in Florida for customer satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study. Its NCQA rating is 3.46 out of 5 stars.

Florida Health Care Plans

Florida Health Care Plans has been providing health insurance solutions for individuals, families, and employers in Florida for over 50 years. It offers simple, affordable, and comprehensive health insurance coverage with a team of trusted, local, experienced professionals. Its medical team includes highly skilled, compassionate medical professionals dedicated to providing advanced treatment options and cutting-edge technology in healthcare. Florida Health Care Plans has over 9000 in-network providers and FHCP Care Centers with doctors, pharmacies, labs, urgent care, and more all under one roof.

Dental insurance carriers in Florida

Florida is one of the largest markets for dental insurance in the US, with over 20 million residents and more than 10,000 dentists. The average dental insurance premium in the state is $32.37 per month, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, location, and smoking status.

Types of Dental Insurance Plans in Florida

There are several types of dental insurance plans available in Florida, including:

• Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPOs): These plans offer a network of dentists who provide services at negotiated, reduced rates. DPPOs offer flexibility, allowing members to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, although out-of-pocket costs may be higher for the latter.
• Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs): Members must choose a primary care dentist from a network of participating providers, who will coordinate and manage their dental care. DHMOs typically have lower premiums but require the use of in-network dental professionals.
• Dental Indemnity Insurance: This type of plan allows policyholders to choose their own dentists and dental specialists without referrals. The plan then reimburses them based on a fee schedule or a percentage of the dentist's usual fees.
• Dental Discount Plans: These are membership programs that offer discounted rates for dental procedures when using participating providers. There are no deductibles, copayments, or annual maximums with this option.

Leading Dental Insurance Carriers in Florida

Several companies offer stand-alone dental insurance plans in Florida, including:

• Florida Combined Life: Monthly premiums range from $0 to $248 for adults, with an average of about $53.
• Delta Dental: Offers the "Dental for Everyone" plan in Gold and Platinum tiers.
• Humana: Provides a range of plans, including "Bright Plus for Veterans" and "Complete Dental."
• Ameritas: Offers the "Value FUSION Hybrid Plan" and "Gold FUSION Hybrid Plan."
• UnitedHealthcare: Provides the "Primary" plan.
• Independence American Insurance Company: Offers Plan D-1 and Plan D-4.
• MetLife: Includes the "TakeAlong Dental" plan with various coverage levels.
• Guardian: Offers the "Managed DentalGuard" plan, a low-cost HMO option.

Choosing a Dental Insurance Plan in Florida

When selecting a dental insurance plan in Florida, it is essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Compare plans, pricing, and provider networks to find the best fit. Additionally, review the policy terms and conditions to understand coverage limits, waiting periods, and other important details.

Medicare insurance providers in Florida

Florida has a range of Medicare insurance providers, with 25 private health insurance providers offering Medicare Advantage plans and 29 offering Medicare Supplement plans.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are provided by private insurance companies to US adults aged 65 and over, as well as younger individuals with certain disabilities and health conditions. They cover everything included in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

The following companies offer Medicare Advantage Plans in Florida:

• Alignment Health Plan
• BayCare Health Plans
• CarePlus Health Plans, Inc.
• Doctors HealthCare Plans, Inc.
• Freedom Health, Inc.
• Gold Kidney Health Plan
• Health First Health Plans, Inc.
• HealthSun Health Plans, Inc.
• Optimum HealthCare, Inc.
• Prominence Health Plan
• Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc.
• Ultimate Health Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap) help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. They can be used alongside Original Medicare and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans.

The following companies offer Medicare Supplement Plans in Florida:

• AARP/UnitedHealthcare
• Accendo Insurance Company
• Ace Property and Casualty Insurance Company
• Allstate Health Solutions
• American Benefit Life Insurance Company
• American Home Life Insurance Company
• Capitol Life Insurance Company
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
• Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood, Tennessee
• Everence Association Inc.
• Federal Life Insurance Company
• Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company
• LifeShield National Insurance Company
• Lumico Life Insurance Company
• New Era Life Insurance Company
• Physicians Life Insurance Company
• State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
• USAA Life Insurance Company
• Union Security Insurance Company
• United American Insurance Company
• Washington National Insurance Company
• Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation

Homeowners insurance companies in Florida

Home insurance in Florida is getting more expensive and harder to find due to hurricanes, inflation, supply chain issues, and excessive litigation. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida is $2,625 per year, or about $219 per month.

Chubb

Chubb is one of the best Florida home insurance companies in 2024. It offers the cheapest homeowners insurance in Florida, with an average annual premium of just over $1,750. Chubb is a good choice for Florida homeowners with high-value homes, valuable possessions, or a commercial business. It offers extended replacement loss coverage, which can increase your home's replacement cost coverage by 50% above the policy's dwelling coverage limit. Chubb also offers $50,000 in watercraft coverage and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

State Farm

State Farm is the best homeowners insurance company in Florida according to US News, with a score of 4 out of 5. It offers comprehensive coverage options and discount opportunities and has a strong network of local agents. State Farm's standard homeowners insurance covers your home, structures on your property, and possessions within your home, as well as liability and medical expenses. It also offers optional earthquake insurance, water backup coverage, and other specialty policies.

Tower Hill

Tower Hill Insurance Exchange is Bankrate's choice for best endorsements due to its extensive options like landscaping coverage and trampoline liability. It is a Florida-based company with high-value coverage options and several endorsements. However, it is not rated by J.D. Power, and AM Best downgraded its Financial Strength Rating to B+ (Good) in April 2022.

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Citizens is Florida's "insurer of last resort," a state-backed insurance company for homeowners who cannot secure coverage in the private market. It is required by state law to carry flood insurance and offers endorsements such as sinkhole coverage and replacement cost on personal property.

Other Companies

Other homeowners insurance companies in Florida include Universal Insurance Holdings Inc., First Protective Insurance Company, Florida Peninsula Holdings LLC, Heritage Insurance, Nationwide, Auto Club Group (AAA), Cincinnati Insurance, and Kin.

Short-term insurance providers in Florida

Short-term health insurance plans in Florida offer temporary coverage for those who are uninsured. These plans are ideal for those who are between jobs, have missed the enrollment period for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, or are waiting for group coverage to start. Short-term health insurance is also a good option for recent college graduates who are not yet 26 years old and are therefore still under their parents' health plans.

Short-term health insurance plans in Florida offer coverage for a limited period, typically between one and twelve months, with the opportunity for renewals of up to 36 months. However, under new Biden administration rules, short-term plans issued or sold on or after September 1, 2024, will be limited to a total duration of no more than four months, including renewals. It is important to note that short-term health insurance does not provide fully comprehensive coverage, and pre-existing conditions may not be covered.

There are several short-term insurance providers in Florida, including:

• Allstate Health Solutions
• Companion Life Insurance Company
• Everest Reinsurance Company
• Golden Rule Insurance Company
• North River Insurance Company
• National General Accident & Health

When choosing a short-term health insurance plan in Florida, it is important to consider the allowable plan durations, whether the insurer offers guaranteed renewability, the specific health benefits provided, and the coverage limitations of the policy. Additionally, individuals should be clear on whether the plan imposes specific dollar limits on services such as inpatient care and surgery, in addition to the plan's overall benefit maximum.

Frequently asked questions